Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1887-11-11
AT HIGH NOON.

There was not more daring and act
i've scout in Bazaine's army than Pierre
Danton.
When Pierre volunteered to slip into
Quinquambe to see what the MeXlcans
were doing, it never occurred to him
that there was the slightest danger.
Ouinquambo was little mountain
village with a small garrison, and Pierre
determined to appear in the role OF de-
serter. The son of Spanish mother, he
did not look much like a Frenchman,
and spoke the language Of the country
like native.
But there was one thing that the scout
had not thought Of. Col. Campos, then
commanding the post of QuinquamDo'
had served on the eastern coast in the
early part of the war. If Pierre had
been aware of this fact he would have
blown out his brains rather than play
spy in the vicinity OF the terrible Cam
pos.
At sunrise the Frcnchman walked
boldly into the village and gave himself
up to the first sentinel he met.
His story was plausible enough. lie
had lost faith in Macmillan and his
cause and had grown weary of hard
fightings and scanty rations. More
over, he had fallen il love with black
eyed senorita and could no longer bear
arms against Mexico.
The sentinel called corporal aud the
story was repeated. To these simple SOL
diers it seemed that the descrter was tell
ing the truth and nothing but the truth.
"Ah, that French devil, Bazaine"
said the corporal, che is frightened, is
he not?"
"Comrade," replied Pierre, ''you say
truly. Bazaine is in despair. His men
are deserting by hundreds. They have
nothing to eat, and the usurper is with
out money to pay them"
"In few weeks they will be driven
into the sea-" said the enthusiastic cor
poral.
"You speak like a prophet, " answered
the spy.
In the presence of Colonel Campos
the Frenchman measured his words.
The veteran listened without showing
any interest or surprise. His brown,
leathery face never changed its express
sion, and his eagle eyes were apparently
fixed upon the ground.
"And would you serve the republic"
he asked, coldly.
"Try me-" was the enthusiastic re-
sponse.
Chow am to know that your story is
true:"
"Let me swear - began Pierre.
NO" shouted the Colonel, in a voice
of thunder.
The officers and soldiers gave II start
of surprise and for the first time Pierre
felt uneasy.
"Bind him hand and foot" was the
unexpected order.
Despite his protestations two men car
red out the Colonel's instructions and
then braced the prisoner in sitting pos
ture against convenient wall.
"a year ago." said Campos, 81 cap
tured that fellow near Vera Cruz. shot
off the little finger Of his right hand, and
he marked me here on the forehead with
his saber. The villain escaped that
night, but another prisoner told me all
about him. He is not soldier. lie Is
a spy. He has caused more trouble than
any other man in Bazaine's army. Now,
Pierre DAnton, what have you to say"
"The Colonel is mistaken said
Pierre. II never saw him before, and |
am no spy. NJ name is Jean Rouyille.'
"Look - exclaimed a soldier.
a glance showed that the prisoners
right little finger was missing.
Only Il coincidence, muttered
Pierre.
.'Guard him WELL" said the Colonel.
"No court-mariial is wanted here" and
the grim soldier walked off.
Securely piuioned as he WAS, Pierre
saw that he could not escape. His eyes
roved restlessly about. but there was
nothing to encourage him.
"The barbarians," he growled; ''they
will butcher me in cold blood. doubt
whether they will be kind enough to
hang me. That Campos looks like a
fiend, aud the chances are that he is now